The Friends of Southsea Rock Garden (FSRG), established in 2012, is a volunteer gardening group who meet regularly on Wednesday mornings, between 10-12am, weather permitting, to assist the two permanent gardeners in maintaining and developing the historic Rock Garden.
The Rock Garden provides a quiet retreat for all visitors, be they from the local community or further afield. Aside from the varied planting, they also provide a protected environment for wildlife, from the many birds and butterflies to pond life with fish, newts, tadpoles, frogs and toads and can provide an educational experience as well as a place of quiet contemplation.
The Garden has received the Green Flag Award continuously since 2012. This award recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces.
Whilst working in the gardens the volunteers are often engaged in conversations with visitors who comment on the beauty of the gardens, ask questions about the plants and often express gratitude for our contributions to their maintenance. Some ask if they can join us which is how many of the volunteers became involved. Although mostly the volunteer group comprises retired people and those who no longer have gardens of their own to tend, it is open to everyone and encourages a sense of community, ownership and belonging.
The aims of our group, enshrined in our recently updated and adopted Constitution, are to:
Assist Portsmouth City Council (PCC) in maintaining and developing Southsea Rock Garden
To raise the profile of the garden in the local community.
To improve the habitat value of the garden.
To secure funds to improve the garden.
Our work has been acknowledged by the award of donations from the annual Portsmouth Victorious Festival which supports local good causes. We have reinvested these grants into enhancements at the garden, including the provision of bird and bat boxes.
We are a friendly and sociable group and welcome enquiries from anyone interested in joining us. Previous experience is not necessary just a keen enthusiasm for gardening!
Please either email us at gardens@friendsofsouthsearockgarden.org or use the contact form by clicking here
Or turn up on a Wednesday morning!
Spot the toad!